wardrobe wednesday

Boxy Cardigan | 4 ways

Living in Colorado means having plenty of sweaters for winter months, and cardigans are one of my favorite styles of knits for cold weather. This year's trendy silhouette of a boxy, slightly cropped boyfriend cardigan is not only comfortable, it's also super versatile for both casual and dressy wear.  This striped version is a fun (but easy to mix!) pattern and it happens to be available for purchase in my shop! Here's four ways I'd style it (or any boxy cardigan!)

Striped Cardigan  |  Tee Dress  |  Sneakers  |  Vintage Purse (similar)

 

 

Striped Cardigan  |  White V-Neck  |  J Crew Chinos  |  Red Belt  | J Crew Slides

 

 

Striped Cardigan  |  Graphic Tee  |  Gap Jeans  |  Sneakers & Laces  |  Baseball Cap

 

 

Striped Cardigan | Pilcro Jeans (similar) | Free People Bralette | Isaac Mizrahi Heels (similar)

 

Any way you style it, a boxy cardigan is easy to layer in so many ways! How would you wear it? I'd love to hear your ideas!

 

Pattern Mixing 101 | Leopard + Plaid

One of the most frequent styling questions I hear is how to successfully mix patterns in an outfit. For me, it's always been a visual process - I can see if two patterns are playing nicely together in terms of color and scale.  But trying to explain why they work together isn't as easy. So I started to deconstruct the process and I found a few basic concepts that help when combining two prints. (Check out this post for some starter tips!)

Two of my favorite patterns are plaid and leopard - my closet boasts a crazy amount of both - and while they may be a bit more challenging to combine than other patterns, I am always up for the task! Here's five outfits that combine the two, as well as a brief explanation of what makes them work!

 

Old Navy Jean Jacket  |  Buffalo Plaid Shirt  |  J Crew Skirt (similar)  | GGDC Sneakers

WHY IT WORKS:  The buffalo plaid and leopard print are both similar scale, and while this could result in an abundance of busy pattern, the bright red of the plaid makes it the star of the show. The neutral colors in the animal print help it act as a base that compliments, rather than competes with, the plaid. The solid jean jacket also helps to marry the two patterns with it's solid color.

 

A New Day Sweater (similar) | H&M Plaid Pant  | Frye Booties  | similar necklace

WHY IT WORKS:  The bold plaid pants are a larger pattern, and paired with the smaller leopard print, they become the focal point. Both prints also share a common color - the soft tan - and it helps tie them together visually.

 

Old Navy Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Leopard Pants (similar) | similar heels | similar necklace

WHY IT WORKS:  Because leopard print is technically a neutral, it will almost always work with a pop of red. A festive red tartan shirt might be too busy top these pants, but layered under a black sweater it adds the perfect accent of color but still allows the leopard to have the spotlight.

 

H&M Dress |  J. Crew Scarf  | Dr. Martens Boots | Fishnet tights

WHY IT WORKS:  Both the plaid scarf and leopard dress share a predominant color - black - and it gives the eye a "resting point" between the two patterns. The plaid is also a relatively large, loose pattern while the leopard is a tighter, more consistent print, and that contrast makes the two work well together!

 

J. Crew Blazer (similar) |  J. Crew Plaid Shirt  |  A&F Jeans  | H&M Heels 

WHY IT WORKS:  This versatile leopard blazer is a simpler print consisting of just tan + black, so it's not overly detailed. When layered over a predominately black plaid, the two patterns play nicely. They are relatively the same scale, and the common color of black helps tie them together. And once again, a pop of red in both the plaid and the statement shoe adds a festive touch to the ensemble!

 

So are you ready to try combining these two prints in your next outfit? While there's no hard and fast rules, these tips just might help you take the leap!

Plaid Boyfriend Blazer | 4 ways

These days most of us aren't dressing for an office environment so a blazer probably isn't at the top of anyone's wardrobe must-haves right now. But I happen to love (and from the looks of my closet, avidly COLLECT) blazers and they way they can make me instantly feel more put together! I almost always wear them with jeans and style them more casual than corporate, so thought I'd share four simple ways you can dress down a blazer. (This particular plaid jacket from Target sold out crazy fast, but I'm linking two others that are very similar and equally versatile!)

 

Old Navy Blazer |  Target Blazer  |  J Crew Shirt  |  Madewell Jeans  |  Marc Fisher Booties

 

 

Old Navy Blazer |  Target Blazer  |  Madewell Dress (similar)  | Frye Boots | Ruffle Socks

 

Old Navy Blazer | Target Blazer | Old Navy Henley | Old Navy Hoodie | AEO Jeans | Frye Boots 

 

Old Navy Blazer | Target Blazer | J Crew Tee | Old Navy Joggers | Jack Purcell sneaks(similar)

 

What's your go-to piece to spice up an outfit? And do you love blazers as much as me?! Seeing all these ways to wear them casually makes me think I just might need a few more....

 

Trumpet Skirt | 4 Ways

You can't really go wrong with a basic black skirt - it's seriously a blank canvas for any outfit you could dream up! From casual to dressy, it's a closet staple that can do it all. I especially love a trumpet shape as it's flattering on all body types because it accentuates the waist while adding a fun flirty touch with a flared hem. Here's four ideas for styling this versatile basic (which is currently available in the Wardrobe Wednesday shop!) 

 

Gap Shaker Knit Sweater  |  WHBM Trumpet Skirt  |   Frye Campus Boots |  Wrap Bracelets 

 

 

Queen T shirt  |  Old Navy Jean Jacket  |  WHBM Trumpet Skirt  |  GGDB Sneakers 

 

 

J Crew Leopard Shirt |  WHBM Trumpet Skirt  |  Fluevog "Steinem" Heels

 

  WHBM Trumpet Skirt  |  J Crew Sweater Blazer  |  Target Blouse (similar)|  J Crew Booties

 

So how you would wear this piece? I'd love to hear your ideas! The possibilities are truly endless with a classic skirt like this!

Jersey Dress | 4 Ways

With a wardrobe that largely consists of jeans + casual tops, I love the variety a basic dress can add to my closet. And unlike jeans, a soft, stretchy dress will never refuse to button after a weekend of dietary indulges, so there's that. This deep teal jersey dress from Lou & Grey is as comfortable as the lounge wear the brand is famous for, but with a bit more polish (and it's available in my Wardrobe Wednesday shop). Here's four ways I styled this cozy, comfy piece!

 

Lou & Grey Dress  |  J Crew Plaid Scarf  |  Frye Campus Boots in Dark Brown

 

Lou & Grey Dress  |  Old Navy Jean Jacket  |  GGDB Sneakers  | similar necklace

 

Lou & Grey Dress  |  Plaid Flannel  |  Dr. Martens "Pascal" Boots  |  similar necklace

 

Lou & Grey Dress  |  J Crew Sweater Blazer  |  Target Turtleneck  |  J Crew Leopard Booties

 

Seeing all these cute options makes me want to keep the dress! It is undeniably versatile and the fact that it doesn't remind me that I ate way too many donuts this weekend pretty much makes it my new best friend. 

Wearing White After Labor Day (and denouncing pumpkin spice!)

There's an old (and I feel, totally antiquated) saying that you can't wear white after Labor Day. And to that, I say a big fat pffffttt.  White is perfect for year-round wear if it's done thoughtfully. And white denim is one of the most versatile fabrics to take you from the heat of summer to the dog days of autumn.  Here's four ways I'd wear it for the season of pumpkin spice lattes (which, since I'm making bold statements today, I'll go ahead and proclaim as SUPER DUPER GROSS. Give me the real pumpkin pie any day over the fake, sugary syrup that totally ruins a decent coffee!)

Umgee Tunic (similar, similar)  |  True Religion Jeans (similar)  |  Steve Madden boots  |  Amazon hat
Target purse (similar)  |  Bali Clicks bracelet  |  Wrap Bracelet

White pants can easily be brought into fall by pairing them with an autumn-appropriate color palette. Instead of bright colors, pair them with rich, darker tones and fall-inspired patterns. Tall boots in cognac suede, a matching hat and shearling tote also help add seasonal texture. The only other accessory you need is an apple cider (or mulled wine. perhaps?!)

 

 

J. Crew Sweater (similar)  |  True Religion Jeans (similar)  |  Black Quilted Crossbody + Stripe Strap  |  Frye Booties

Animal prints and fall are a combo made in heaven, and white denim makes them the star of the outfit. I love this leopard sweater with white bottoms (and it would be even better layered under a jean jacket or basic black blazer). With some neutral black accessories, it transitions into cooler weather seamlessly!

 

Old Navy Jean Jacket  |  Target Tee   |  True Religion Jeans (similar)  | J Crew Booties (similar)
Leather earrings  | ELF Matte Lip Color

I know you have a favorite graphic tee (or 5!) so grab it to top your white jeans! I prefer the darker tees (think black, gray, or burgundy) for this time of year, but a white tee could work too - just add a jean jacket to break up the all-white look. A touch of leopard in your accessories keeps the outfit interesting AND seasonal and a bright red lip is always the perfect addition in fall!

 

H&M Jacket (similar)  |  Madewell Tank (similar)  |  True Religion Jeans (similar)  |  GGDB Sneakers (similar)
Jack Wills clutch (similar)

Your leather jacket has been waiting in the back of the closet all summer and now's the time to give it a jailbreak! I love the contrast of white denim and black leather, so I paired the two together in this outfit, along with a good dose of autumn color in my rust tank top. And since I apparently can't create an outfit with a touch of animal print, I added a patterned clutch and my favorite sneakers.

 

Hope this gives you some ideas for stretching those summer pieces like white jeans into fall. And the freedom to publicly dislike PSLs if you so choose. :)

Bike Shorts | 4 Ways

To be honest, I was not sold on the bike short trend when it first came onto the fashion scene. I've owned these shorts years ago when I wore them with a high-cut leotard to step aerobics. The thought of reintroducing them to my wardrobe brought back not-so-fond memories of stumbling through choreography my clumsy self would never master and more than a few mis-steps that resulted in my well-deserved reputation as the Elaine Benes of step class.

But embarrassing memories aside, once I actually convinced myself that I would wear these shorts outside of an exercise class, I was hooked. After all, they are really just the warm-weather version of leggings, right? So I challenged myself to style them much like I would black tights, and here's what I came up with!

 

MTV Tee  |  Bike Shorts  |  Leopard Sneakers

 

Striped Tee  |  Olive Camp Shirt |    Bike Shorts  |  Leopard Slip-ons |  Coin Necklace

 

 

Kimono |  Black Tank  |   Bike Shorts  |  Straw Hat  | Sandals  |  Necklace

 

Jean Jacket  |  FP Tank (similar) |  Bike Shorts  | Sandals  |  Tote

 

My basic black bike shorts are linked above, but I'm also thinking a more colorful (or camo!) pair might be just as versatile.  Here's a round-up of some that I have my eye on!

1//Wild Fable Patterned Shorts ($12)    2//High-Rise Contour Curvy Shorts ($20)

3//High Waist Compression Short ($2)

4// AE High Waisted Camo Short ($30)   5//Focusnorm Cycle Short with Pockets ($14)

6//Aerie Laser-Cut Bike Short ($26)

 

So the lesson I've learned in this style session that you can't always judge a book by its cover...or in this case, a pair of shorts by their exercise class :)

Have a great weekend, my friends!

Patterned Shorts | 4 Ways

I'll admit that my collection of denim shorts rivals any other item in my summer wardrobe because, after all, they are an easy staple and a crucial part of my tee-and-jeans uniform. But that doesn't mean I don't like to mix it up with a fun patterned short every now and then (like when I haven't done laundry for weeks and there are no more clean jean shorts!)  Patterns take a little more thought to create a pulled together look, but here are some of my favorite tips for creating an outfit around your favorite floral or print!

Old Navy Shorts  |  Madewell Central Shirt  |  Circle Cross Body  |  J Crew Loafers (similar)

 

 

Old Navy Shorts  | Gap Denim Shirt |  Target Sandals  |  Straw Hat 

 

 

Old Navy Shorts  |  J Crew Blazer  |  Chambray Tank (similar)  |  Sandals  | J Crew Necklace

 

Old Navy Shorts  | VS Tee (similar, similar)  |  Converse  |  Burberry Sunglasses (similar)

 

I've linked my shorts in the photos above - they are great linen blend I highly recommend them! But here's some other options as well!

1// Wild Fable Ruffle Hem Shorts ($17)      2//LOFT Zinnia Riviera Short ($20)

3//Old Navy Linen Blend Short ($15)    4//GAP Utility Pull-On Shorts ($24)

5//J. Crew Factory Floral Basketweave Short ($35)    6//Paperbag Waist Daisy Shorts ($9)

 

Wishing you all a very happy weekend!

 

Patterned Kimono | 4 Ways

The kimono has become a summer staple for me in the past few years and my collection of these colorful, flowy items is definitely growing! I love how they elevate a simple tank and shorts, do-double duty as a swim cover up, and can even transition into fall with leggings and boots. Today I'm styling a patterned kimono from a local boutique to show you just how versatile this item can be!

Peplum Tank  |  Denim Shorts  |  Espadrille Sandals

 

J. Crew Tank (similar) | True Religion Jeans (similar) | Sandals | Boutique Necklace (similar)

 

Old Navy Sundress  |  Hat  |  Sandals  |  Boutique Necklace (similar)

 

Madewell Tank (similar)  |  Wild Fable Overalls   |  Miz Mooz Sandals (similar, similar)  

 

If you're wanting to add a fun kimono to your wardrobe, be sure to check out Flower Wild (my go-to shop for pretty dresses & boho pieces!)  And here's a few more options available online!

1//Shein Geo Print Kimono ($19)    2//Jessica McClintock Patchwork Kimono ($25)

3//Angie Patterned Kimono ($35)    4//Boho Floral Kimono ($23)

5//Stripe Open-Front Kimono ($15)   6//Lia Shoibori Kimono ($79)

 

Have a wonderful week, my friends!

Bermuda Shorts | 4 Ways

Bermuda shorts have been around as a military wear since the second world war, so it's safe to say it's a style that has lasting power! Nowadays, these shorts are popular for their  longer length and more tailored fit than typical denim cut-offs. They can totally go from weekend gathering to casual workplace with flair! The pair I'm styling today are heavily distressed and broken-in denim, so they definitely have more casual vibe, but these concepts would work with more traditional chino or dark denim Bermudas just as well!

Sundance Cardigan (Poshmark)  |  Peplum Tank  |  Slide Sandals  |  Wrap Bracelet

 

J. Crew Shirt | Betsey Johnson belt (similar) | Steve Madden Shoes (similar)
ASOS clutch (similar)

 

 

J. Crew Top  (similar)  |  Red Belt  |  Bracelet  |  Frye Sandals  (similar)

 

 

J. Crew Blazer (similar)  |  Camisole  |  Converse  |  Bracelet

 

My particular denim shorts are from American Eagle last summer, (but you can find them on Amazon if you're a size zero) and here are a few variations on the bermuda theme!

1//Universal Thread Mid-Rise Short ($20)     2//Tommy Hilfiger Hollywood Bermuda ($30)
3//Joe's Jeans "The 7" Cutoff Burmuda ($89)        4//AE Khaki Skinny Bermuda ($30)
5//Gap High Rise Deconstructed Bermuda ($49)   6//Old Navy Mid Rise Cuffed Bermuda ($20)

 

So what's your favorite way to wear these shorts? I'd love to hear! and if you have ideas for future 4 Ways Style Sessions, please let me know!